UNIFIL Attack Harms French-Syrian Ties as Initial Investigations Point to Syrian Involvement

The security unrest witnessed in Lebanon in recent weeks, most notably Friday’s attack against the French unit in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, requires diligent governmental work that would prevent future instability, reported the daily An Nahar on Monday.

Security sources told the daily that the attack will likely increase tensions between France and Syria in light of French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe’s accusation on Sunday that Syria was “undoubtedly” behind the assault.

He added however that he had no evidence to substantiate his claim.

Asked during an interview with TV5MONDE, Radio France Internationale and Le Monde whether he believed the attack was a “message” from Syria, he replied: “There’s no doubt.”

"We have strong reasons to think that this attack came from there," he said, noting that Damascus used Hizbullah for such attacks in the past.

Furthermore, informed sources said that Juppe’s accusation was not only political, but it stemmed from initial international investigations that point to Syria’s involvement in the UNIFIL attack.

A security official meanwhile revealed to Agence France Presse that investigations are focusing on two suspects who were spotted in a Mercedes near the area of the explosion about an hour before it took place.

He said that the bomb was loaded with four to five kilograms of TNT, adding that it was remotely detonated before the UNIFIL vehicle arrived to the exact location of the explosive, which resulted in damage to only its front section.

The official confirmed An Nahar’s report on Sunday that estimated that the bomb was detonated by mistake, which consequently saved the lives of the French soldiers.

Five French soldiers and two civilians were wounded on Friday by a powerful roadside bomb that targeted a UNIFIL patrol in the southern coastal city of Tyre.

The explosives were placed in a garbage bin in the area of al-Nabaa on the road that leads to Burj al-Shamali in Tyre.

The blast left a one-meter deep crater and caused damages to nearby houses.